A collection of the most prominent sutras given by Buddha Gautama from the Mahayana tradition. VOLUME I includes the following sutras: 1. THE HEART SUTRA(sanskrit: Prajnaparamita-Hridayam) is a condensed recension of the Large Heart Sutra which was rendered into Chinese in the year 400 AD by the famous Indian scholar, the Venerable Kumarajiva. It is primarily intended for memorizing, and is believed to protect the aspirant who knows it by heart. Even to this day the Heart Sutra is used as a protective spell or charm by Buddhists of Tibet, China, and Japan, monks and laymen alike. 2. THE DIAMOND SUTRA(sanskrit: Vajracchedikā-Prajñāpāramitā-sūtra) is a well-known Mahayana Buddhist text from the Prajnaparamita that emphasizes the practice of non-abiding and non-attachment. The Diamond Sutra is also one of the most influential sutras in East Asia, and it is particularly prominent within Zen tradition, along with the Heart Sutra. 3. MEDICINE BUDDHA SUTRA(sanskrit: Bhaisajayaguru-Vaidurya-Prabhasa Tathagata-sūtra) is a Mahayana Buddhist text that narrates how the Buddha, in response to Manjusri Bodhisattva's request, spoke to highly cultivated monastics, bodhisattvas, kings, and magistrates concerning the meritorious virtues of the Medicine Buddha, and detailed the twelve great vows that the Medicine Buddha made when he was a bodhisattva. This sutra emphasizes the liberation of sentient beings from illnesses, suffering, disasters, and misery, as well as the acquisition of prosperity and happiness in this lifetime. 4. INFINITE LIFE SUTRA(sanskrit: Bhaisajayaguru-Vaidurya-Prabhasa Tathagata-sūtra) is a Mahayana Buddhist text that narrates how the Buddha, in response to Manjusri Bodhisattva's request, spoke to highly cultivated monastics, bodhisattvas, kings, and magistrates concerning the meritorious virtues of the Medicine Buddha, and detailed the twelve great vows that the Medicine Buddha made when he was a bodhisattva. This sutra emphasizes the liberation of sentient beings from illnesses, suffering, disasters, and misery, as well as the acquisition of prosperity and happiness in this lifetime. 5. THE LOTUS SUTRA(sanskrit: Saddharma-Puṇḍarīka-sūtra) is one of the most popular and influential Mahayana texts, and the basis on which the Tiantai, Tendai, Cheontae, and Nichiren schools of Buddhism were established. This text is known for its extensive instruction on the concept and usage of skillful means - the seventh paramita or perfection of a Bodhisattva - mostly in the form of parables. It is also one of the first sutras to use the term 'Mahayana' (Great Vehicle) Buddhism.